Photo: AAG
Aero Technology Industry Company Limited (ATIL), a joint venture partly owned by Thailand's Defence Technology Institute (DTI), recently demonstrated its domestically produced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai during a visit to the...
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Aero Technology Industry Company Limited (ATIL), a joint venture partly owned by Thailand's Defence Technology Institute (DTI), recently demonstrated its domestically produced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai during a visit to the company’s facility at Saengtawan Airport.
The demonstration featured two UAVs: the DP18A Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) and the DP9A tandem-rotor Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAV. Both platforms showcased a range of non-military capabilities, including a dry ice dispensing system for reducing airborne dust, a desiccant-based flare pod for artificial rainmaking, and a fire-extinguishing chemical payload.
The event highlighted the DP18A’s multipurpose role, including operations in air pollution mitigation and disaster relief. The UAV is locally manufactured with contributions from Thai engineers and is capable of high-altitude, long-duration flight with a significant payload capacity. According to the company, its narrow turning radius and precision flight control system allow for flexible use in both high-altitude operations and challenging environments.
In addition to environmental applications, the DP18A can be configured for military use, including surveillance and strike missions. A live demonstration also showed the UAV deploying a chemical fire retardant, simulating response in areas inaccessible to conventional firefighting teams.
The DP9A UAV, which made its first public appearance at the RTAF88 air show in March, was also demonstrated. The aircraft weighs 520 kg, has a payload capacity of up to 250 kg, and can fly for up to three hours with a 200 kg load. It can reach speeds of 170 km/h and altitudes of up to 6,000 metres, with an operational range of 100 km. It is equipped with thermal imaging systems for use in forest firefighting, patient evacuation, and other emergency response scenarios.
During the visit, Minister Phumtham received a technical briefing from ATIL and DTI executives, including General Bamrung Saithong, Mr. Pasit Jitcharoen, Air Chief Marshal Dr. Preecha Pradubmuk (CEO), and DTI Director General Dr. Charat Umsamrit.
ATIL, established under Thailand’s 2019 Defence Technology Act, is a joint venture between DTI, Thailand’s PYN International, and Beihang UAS Technology, a Chinese company now under NORINCO. The company’s work aligns with the Thai government's “S-Curve 11” policy, aimed at strengthening domestic defence production and reducing reliance on imports.
The demonstration served to underscore the growing role of local private-sector innovation in Thailand’s broader national security and disaster response infrastructure.
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